Unfortunately for Android users, there’s no simple workaround for restoring your deleted files and instead you’ll need to venture on to the Google Play Store to find a suitable third-party solution to help fix the problem.

We recommend the Dumpster app, which acts as a gatekeeper for all your deleted files before they permanently vanish from your device. It works in the same vein as a desktop PC’s recycle bin feature, where the user can restore the files they need or choose to permanently remove them for good. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of correctly configuring the Dumpster app to safely store and manage your deleted files, photos and other specific types of documents so that you can choose what to do with them before they disappear forever.

1. What to save?

When you first open up the Dumpster app, you’ll need to select the types of files you want it to save. Go through the list and toggle each one off and on until you’ve made all your choices. Once done, press on the Next button at the bottom of the screen to continue.

2. Your deleted files

You will now be taken to the overview screen where you can see all of the deleted files and apps that have been saved within Dumpster. Files will be grouped into specific folders, with the size of each folder shown on the right-hand side of the screen.

3. Sort through files

If you’ve got a long list of files and folders stored in Dumpster, use the drop-down menu to filter between the types of folders and files. This is a great solution if you want to find a specific file. Select the type of file you want to focus on, so that you can more easily find the one(s) you want.

4. Filter even further

If you want to take the filtering process one step further, use the category system at the top right of the screen to sort your files by their date, size, type or name. Once you’ve located the file you’re looking for, press on it to take a closer look.

5. Get an overview

You now have a variety of options at your disposal. At the bottom you will find both the restore and delete options, while just above this you’ll find the details of the image or file. For the purpose of this tutorial, press on the Restore All option that’s provided.

6. Restoring items

Depending on the number of files you want to restore, it may take a couple of minutes to finish this process. Once it’s complete, you will find a small notification at the bottom of the screen. Tap the Undo option if you want to cancel the restoration process.

7. Choose to delete

If you instead decide to delete the files, you’ll notice that the process is a lot quicker than restoring them. Similar to the restoring process, a notification will appear at the bottom when the deletion process has been completed. Once deleted, the files will be gone for good.

8. Add a schedule

To keep Dumpster running at its optimal level, go to the settings page and select the Auto Clean Dumpster option. With this menu you can select how often Dumpster should clear itself of all the files stored within it. We recommend the 1 Week option.

9. Clear it yourself

At the top of Dumpster’s side menu is the Remove All Items option. Here you can permanently delete everything currently stored in the app. This is a great option for removing large quantities of files and folder in one go. It will take a few minutes for the process to finish.